I think Pavlik wins this one again and likely in a much easier fashion (i.e without getting nearly wiped out early). Taylor's just lacking something in the heart department and he's had a lot of upheaval in changing his trainer and losing his title. He doesn't seem the type to be motivated to fight this rematch. Obligated maybe, but not in love with the opportunity.

Not to mention I just think Pavlik is a more tenacious boxer in general.

Just don't get much better than this to me. Two young, talented, extremely hard hitting middleweights cueing up the rematch of an excellent first fight.

There aren't many middles that would have withstood that assault Taylor laid on Kelly in the 2nd rd of the 1st fight. He was gone. Kooky. Done. Don't know how he finished the round, and his legs were still jelly for most of the 3rd.

And then, bout halfway through the 3rd, Kelly started tagging him. And there is no boxer under heavyweight that hits harder than Kelly. Doesn't even always look like he's hitting you that hard, or hurting his opponent. Its that YTown strength. Swinging a hammer and pulling cars around town. Just breaks down the inner fabric of opponents those shots.

Kelly's simply got more heart. Hes the tougher fighter.

Another 6th rd KO.

"It's like dating a woman who hates you so much she will never break up with you, even if you burn down the house every single autumn." ~ Chuck Klosterman on Browns fans relationship with the Browns

I think could be the fight that makes or breaks Taylor's career.
We know Pavlik's heart is as big as they get. He proved that last time.
We don't have any idea how Taylor will come back from that beating Kelly put on him.

FightDr wrote:I think could be the fight that makes or breaks Taylor's career.We know Pavlik's heart is as big as they get. He proved that last time.We don't have any idea how Taylor will come back from that beating Kelly put on him.

I expect a great fight and can't wait until Saturday.

Is anyone getting together anywhere to watch the fight or know of anyplace showing it? Or is everyone on their own? I actually think Fucking Valentine's Day dinner at Ferrante's is that night.

Pup wrote:Taylor wins. It is boxing. And nothing matters until there is a rubber match.

December 12th. Taylor Pavlik III. "For All The Glory".

I don't think so. At least not for his next fight.

This fight isn't for the belt, and win or lose, Kelly will have rightfully earned the right to defend the title against a hand picked opponent before a receptive audience.

Win or lose, John Duddy in Browns Stadium in July.

Then, after Kelly lays waste to Duddy, he then has a choice. Stay at middle, which would likely mean Kelly/Taylor III if he loses, or Winky/Abraham/Forrest if he beats JT again. Or go up to 168 and fuck with Calzaghe, Kessler, or Hopkins.

"It's like dating a woman who hates you so much she will never break up with you, even if you burn down the house every single autumn." ~ Chuck Klosterman on Browns fans relationship with the Browns

The move up to 166 actually makes no sense to me really from a title standpoint.
It should favor Pavlik though, he can put more weight behind those bombs he has in his hands.
Taylor being a counterpuncher, needs speed, and a few pounds might slow him down a little.

1. Taylor hit Pavlik a lot last fight. He almost stopped Pavlik, but burnt out. Taylor will again hit Pavlik plenty so can the Ghost survive again?
2. Although the weight factor can go either way, I think it helps Taylor more than Pavlik in this case. I think Tayor will have more power in his punches, but the added weight will slow Pavlik a little and Taylor's counter punches will be effective.
3. I read an article the other day that said that Pavlik has had a good training camp. But that is not what the word around Y-town is. The word is he got a late start (hand?) and he is not as focused as he had been in the past (personal issues?). This is third/fourth hand info so take it for whatever you think this rumor is worth.

Pavlik seems to be doing a lot of things that are out of the ordinary.
I heard he was at the Grammys the other night.
They said they were not going to let him do much media, yet he's everywhere doing interviews and going on shows.

Was eating lunch at a local establishment a few weeks ago. Mike Pavlik sat about 10 feet from me. I overheard him speaking to the other guy at the table about Kelly staying out late and drinking a lot.

Was never huge into boxing (outside of the young Tyson phenomenon back in the day) and haven't paid ANY attention for years. But "The Ghost" has me intrigued. Looking forward to dropping coin my first PPV event since Tyson went Dr. Lecter on Holyfield.

My uneducated take is that Pavlik wins. He seems more confident and ready to keep is record unblemished.

O-H!

"At least the Scots didn't have to tune in with the rest of the country and watch their women get plowed by Longshanks and his men."~Commodore Perry on the difference between baseball's flawed economics : Indians :: prima nocta : Scots

Ghost wins by TKO in 8. I expect a brawl. Taylor is looking to regain his pride and won't settle for a decision so I imagine he's gonna try to go after Kelly. That plays right into Kelly's hands. And those are some heavy hands.

There seems to be a misconception about Taylor being the faster, more skilled fighter. Pavlik is a polished boxer. His skill is so often overshadowed by his power. The kid IS 31-0 with 29 KO's. You don't get to that level without being well rounded. As long as he doesn't stick his chin out to taunt Taylor, he ain't goin down again.

Forget all the rumors about Kelly's focus and all that. I live in Youngstown. Trust me. The rumors about his personal life and partying and all that fly around before all of his fights. The guy knows what he needs to do in order to win. He'll be ready as ever.

I'm with you Dr...the only outcome that will surprise me is if this turns out to be a boring "bingo game" of a fight. I can actually see if anywhere from a 1st round KO to a 12 round war split decision. With that being said, if Taylor comes out like he's says he's going to and goes for blood I think he's going to realize that doing that is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube...you can try it but it's not going to work and it'll get really messy (see Edison Miranda).

I just wish this darn fight would start already so Bob Arum would shut the hell up...he's proselytizing Kelly way to much for my liking. Just let him get in there and do his thing and let that speak for itself. I understand it's his job to hype his fighter, but this stuff about the being among the best Middleweights of all time is a bit oveer the top.

Here's to everyone enjoying what should be a great card and Main Event and safe travels home if you're out and about on a bender...it should be interesting in Ytown tonight.

A lot of people forget, Taylor was unanimously winning (not on my card) the fight on all the judges cards last fight when Kelly knocked him out. Despite Taylors big talk leading up to this fight, he may (rightfully) feel that the best way to win this fight and win back his respect is to once again get up on the cards early, and make staying away from the Pavlik right hand hammer his #1 priority late.

Taylor has said, hes in better shape this time. That he wasn't ready for 12 rds last time, underestimated Kelly, and punched himself out in the 2nd. It wouldn't surprise me if he fought a more defensive fight this time, especially if he once again gets ahead early.

This all said, Kelly's style of throwing 80-100 punches a round (many of them power shots) does not lend itself to fights that go the distance. Unlike Taylor, Pavliks chances of winning rise if its a brawl.

I expect another very exciting fight that sees both fighters bloodied, and quote possibly both fighters once again hitting the canvas.

Defend Youngstown Kelly.

"It's like dating a woman who hates you so much she will never break up with you, even if you burn down the house every single autumn." ~ Chuck Klosterman on Browns fans relationship with the Browns

What a great fight. Taylor was the quicker boxer and had the more impressive shots and flurries, but Pavlik was a machine, chasing Taylor with left jab after left jab. And, dude's got a concrete chin. To me, Taylor's downfall was that he didn't throw enough punches and that he spent the whole night backing up.

That shot to the body from Pavlik in the 10th may have decided this fight.

Great stuff. Worth the sixty bucks.

"At least the Scots didn't have to tune in with the rest of the country and watch their women get plowed by Longshanks and his men."~Commodore Perry on the difference between baseball's flawed economics : Indians :: prima nocta : Scots

Different fight. Even a more rewarding win as a Pavlik fan. Taylor was in top shape. Fought as well as he possibly could. And it still wasn't enough.

Kelly and Loew had a great gameplan, again, and really ... Loew should now start to get some credit as one of the best trainers in the world in the sport of boxing. His in corner stratgery was brilliant, as was the game plan. Keep pressing forward, break Taylor will, own the later rounds by staying aggressive, pressing forward, keeping him on his heels.

Taylor is a great fighter, and beating this guy 2x in a row is a serious accomplishment. Kellys a rock star, and deservedly so. With his style, record, and demeanor ... hes gonna start to develop a monster following nationally.

Great fight. More tactical. Pavlik has made being an Ohio boxing nut really, really fun these last 2-3 years. And this kid has many, many more great years ahead of him.

The Ghost baby!

"It's like dating a woman who hates you so much she will never break up with you, even if you burn down the house every single autumn." ~ Chuck Klosterman on Browns fans relationship with the Browns

Pavlik is the personification of this state and its people. What a workhorse that kid is. The fact that he remained the aggressor throughout the whole fight is what won it for him. Throwing 400 more punches than Taylor and making Taylor back down was pretty impressive.

He may not be the most talented boxer, but he has the most heart I've ever seen. Taylor definitely exposed his quickness a little bit and I think Pavlik was so afraid of that roundhouse right hook that he didn't pressure and attack when he had the chance when Taylor would stagger back.

Either way, another impressive showing. He'll get to defend that title on the big stage this summer.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

Pavlik won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 by virtually sweeping the second half of the bout. He did it with what he called stingers in both hands, which he will have X-rayed to check for breaks.

I love that kid.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

LAS VEGAS — Saturday’s fight had been over for an hour and Kelly Pavlik was finishing up his interviews in the MGM Grand media center when Jermain Taylor’s mother walked up to him with tears in her eyes.

“I just want to congratulate you,” she said, giving him a hug. “You’ve been so respectful to my son and treated him with class.”

Pavlik hugged her back and said, “No, thank you. You and your whole team have been so classy.

“He [Taylor] has a great future at 168.”

The above quotes pretty much say it all about Kelly Pavlik.
He's a strong, hard-working fighter with alot of heart and alot of class. He comes from my hometown and I'm very proud of him.

Jermain Taylor also deserves respect for taking the rematch and for showing up and battling in each of these fights.

LAS VEGAS — Saturday’s fight had been over for an hour and Kelly Pavlik was finishing up his interviews in the MGM Grand media center when Jermain Taylor’s mother walked up to him with tears in her eyes.

“I just want to congratulate you,” she said, giving him a hug. “You’ve been so respectful to my son and treated him with class.”

Pavlik hugged her back and said, “No, thank you. You and your whole team have been so classy.

“He [Taylor] has a great future at 168.”

The above quotes pretty much say it all about Kelly Pavlik.He's a strong, hard-working fighter with alot of heart and alot of class. He comes from my hometown and I'm very proud of him.

Jermain Taylor also deserves respect for taking the rematch and for showing up and battling in each of these fights.

Both of these guys are great for the sport of boxing, IMO.

One of the things that went unmentioned, is how these two were really classy the whole fight. Always seemingly hitting gloves at the end of every round as a "good job" gesture. That was good to see.

Future of 168 is Taylor and Kessler, maybe Lacy if he can ever get his shit together. Allen Green and Miranda as well. Some exciting young talent coming together at that weight as the two graybeards of the division (Calzaghe and Hopkins) get set to fight.

"It's like dating a woman who hates you so much she will never break up with you, even if you burn down the house every single autumn." ~ Chuck Klosterman on Browns fans relationship with the Browns

Ya know the iconizing of sports figures is always bound to happen so I should not be surprised that Kelly is being looked at as a saint now, but come on guys. Everything I have heard from people in Y-town who have seen him out and seen him drinking are that he is just another over zealous trashy dude who loves the juice and is now happily flaunting his money at bars while playing the bad ass Y-town celeb role.

He is just another boxer and just another rich man with no idea how to handle the benefits of stardom. I love Kelly the fighter and he does fight like someone who grew up in Y-town, but it is rather disturbing to watch the guy be treated like a saint. First time my little brother met Kelly he was so excited to walk up to him he could hardly contain himself. They were one of just a handful of people at the bar and sure enough he found Kelly trashed, arrogant, and a general ass. The kid called me and was so disappointed he didn't know how to react. He had previously looked up to Kelly as a role model.

e0y2e3 wrote:Ya know the iconizing of sports figures is always bound to happen so I should not be surprised that Kelly is being looked at as a saint now, but come on guys. Everything I have heard from people in Y-town who have seen him out and seen him drinking are that he is just another over zealous trashy dude who loves the juice and is now happily flaunting his money at bars while playing the bad ass Y-town celeb role.

He is just another boxer and just another rich man with no idea how to handle the benefits of stardom. I love Kelly the fighter and he does fight like someone who grew up in Y-town, but it is rather disturbing to watch the guy be treated like a saint. First time my little brother met Kelly he was so excited to walk up to him he could hardly contain himself. They were one of just a handful of people at the bar and sure enough he found Kelly trashed, arrogant, and a general ass. The kid called me and was so disappointed he didn't know how to react. He had previously looked up to Kelly as a role model.

I HAVE seen Kelly out at bars around town. Your post is quite the contrary to what I HAVE seen from Kelly. I have seen Kelly out a handful of times. As a matter of fact, I saw him a month or so after he won the title. He was just standing there, not drinking. He did not have an entourage. He did not throw money around. He was just talking to Jack Leows daughter. Other times I have seen him out he really just blended in, posing for the occasional picture or signing a cocktail napkin for someone. Dude IS a regular type Joe. He might get hammered every now and again. Who doesnt? An arrogant drunk asshole, he is NOT.

Ya know the iconizing of sports figures is always bound to happen so I should not be surprised that Kelly is being looked at as a saint now, but come on guys. Everything I have heard from people in Y-town who have seen him out and seen him drinking are that he is just another over zealous trashy dude who loves the juice and is now happily flaunting his money at bars while playing the bad ass Y-town celeb role.

He is just another boxer and just another rich man with no idea how to handle the benefits of stardom. I love Kelly the fighter and he does fight like someone who grew up in Y-town, but it is rather disturbing to watch the guy be treated like a saint. First time my little brother met Kelly he was so excited to walk up to him he could hardly contain himself. They were one of just a handful of people at the bar and sure enough he found Kelly trashed, arrogant, and a general ass. The kid called me and was so disappointed he didn't know how to react. He had previously looked up to Kelly as a role model.

Well, maybe he just didn't like your little brother. Was HE completely sober that night? Just curious.
Seriously though, maybe your little brother just needs to grow a set and get on with his life. Nobody ever called Pavlik a saint in this thread, you created that.

Kelly Pavlik is one of the most popular fighters in the world. Period.

Deal with it.

Yet, he chooses to reside and train in one of the shadier areas of the southside of Youngstown. For anyone unfamiliar with that area, please do me a favor and make a visit, then imagine a world champion boxer living there.

As a Youngstown native, it's almost unfathomable to read this shit, even if I was only responding to a troll/retard.